ATTENDANCE

Whilst much has changed within our school community as a result of coronavirus, we remain committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils.

To achieve this, we must work together. You have a vital role to play in your child’s success. Now more than ever, as we look to recover from lockdown, children need to be in school. The first step to academic success is establishing excellent attendance habits. Student attendance is critical to achievement at all age levels.

St Joseph’s is committed to working with all of our families to ensure that students are able to strive for outstanding attendance. If you are aware of a circumstance impacting your child’s ability or willingness to attend school, then please make contact with their Form Tutor to discuss this as soon as possible.

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Students sitting at tables in a classroom

SJCS ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES


REPORTING ABSENCE

It is required that contact is made with school every day that a child is absent unless otherwise arranged with the Attendance Officer. We ask please that contact is made with the school before 09:00. There are two methods of communication through which to do this.

  • Option 1 (preferred): E-mail explaining student absence to attendance@sjcs.org.uk
  • Option 2: Phone call to school reception on 01722 335380

Please do not reply to text messages sent via the SchoolComms system, as these responses are not monitored. If you need to make contact regarding a student absence, please use one of the above methods.

PLANNED ABSENCE

Any absences which are known about in advance, such as doctor’s appointments, are to be sent to attendance@sjcs.org.uk. Please attach a copy of the paperwork for the appointment as soon as possible (such as hospital letter or appointment card). Please also clearly state what time your child will need to be signed out of school. All students must sign out of school at reception before leaving.

UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE

The following reasons for non-attendance will not be authorised, unless they are being investigated by your doctor:

  • Hay fever
  • Headaches
  • Tummy ache
  • Feeling sick
  • Toothache
  • Banged / stubbed toes
  • Blisters
  • Periods
  • Growing pain
  • Pain after having Orthodontic treatment, i.e. having braces fitted
  • Not slept well the night before
  • Nose bleeds
  • Brother or sister has been ill
  • Parent or sibling has Covid

After a form has been signed by a parent, we can keep Paracetamol on school premises for your child for all non-urgent illnesses. Please contact Reception for more details.

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

Unfortunately, even if absent for a medical appointment, a student is still classed as absent from school. This is beyond the school’s control. Please make appointments outside school hours where possible. If this is not possible, we recommend students attend school before and/or after the appointment, even if only briefly, before being signed out. This ensures that the impact on a child’s learning is minimal and their attendance will not be negatively impacted.

SCHOOL-RELATED ANXIETY

If your child is suffering with school-related anxiety that is impacting their ability or willingness to attend, then please speak to the school. There is support we can offer to help with this.

However, the most effective support to help understand and overcome school anxiety starts at home. There are many resources available online to support you with this – we recommend the YoungMinds parent guide as a starting point for information and guidance for supporting your child.

Poster showing attendance data

TIPS FOR IMPROVING ATTENDANCE


We appreciate you working with us and your child to ensure their attendance is high. Here are a few tips to help you improve your child's attendance, and how to get some help if you need it.

Need further advice? Speak to Educational Welfare (01225 718 230) who will be able to offer further advice on getting your child to school or how to overcome specific attendance barriers.

Poster showing punctuality tips and advice

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Below are some of our frequently asked questions. If your question hasn't been answered, don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing attendance@sjcs.org.uk.